Music Test

Parents who think that they may apply to Parmiter's School under the Music criterion must register to take the entrance tests with the SW Herts Consortium. This should be done via the SW Herts Consortium website when the student is in Year 5. The website will be open for registration from mid-May and the entrance tests will be held in September when the student is in Year 6. Details of the arrangements for the tests will be notified to parents who have registered nearer the time.

All applicants for places under Criterion 6 Music must have taken the SW Herts Consortium Music tests. The test comprises a written Music Aptitude Test and a Music Practical Assessment.

Only those applicants who have reached the qualifying mark in the 1st stage Written Music Aptitude Test will be called back for the 2nd stage Music Practical Assessment. Places are only offered on the basis of scores achieved in the 2nd stage Music Practical Assessment.

Click here to view cut-off scores and statistical information from tests in previous years.

Written Music Aptitude Test

All applicants under the Music criterion are required to take a written aptitude test in music. The test does not require any previous knowledge of music theory.

The test consists of 60 questions and they are of four main types, namely PITCH, MELODY, TEXTURE and RHYTHM.

PITCH: For these questions candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or whether it is higher or lower. There are 20 of these questions and some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart.

MELODY: For these questions candidates listen to two tunes consisting of five notes. Candidates have to decide whether the second tune is the same as the first or if one of the notes has been altered. If there is a change, candidates will be expected to identify which note has been altered by giving the note number. There are 10 questions.

TEXTURE: For these questions candidates listen to a number of notes played together at the same time. Candidates need to decide whether or not each chord has 2, 3 or 4 notes. There are 20 questions.

RHYTHM: For these questions candidates listen to two patterns of notes and have to decide whether the second pattern is the same as, or different from, the first, and where any difference occurs. Each rhythm will be four beats (or pulses) in length. There are 10 questions.

Music Practical Assessment

Candidates who achieve high marks in the aptitude test will be asked to attend Watford School of Music to perform a chosen piece of vocal or instrumental music. Their aptitude for music will be further assessed from this performance and as there is a free choice of piece, this will allow candidates of all cultures an equal chance to succeed.

An accompanist will be provided. Applicants are not allowed to bring their own.

There are no practice papers for the Music Test.

Illness or Inability to attend the Music Test

If, for any reason, a student is unable to attend the Music Test, parents should notify the Admissions Officer at the allocated test centre as soon as possible.

If a student is ill and unable to attend the Music Test, parents should notify the school as soon as possible and the student will be entered for the Reserve Music Test.